Hi everyone, my name is Meg Keller. This is my second year being an URSA major, and I’m beginning my senior year here at Missouri State.

In 2019, I came into college very introverted. I wasn’t interested in getting involved and meeting new people terrified me, but at the same time, I was ready to break free of my high school self and find out who I was.

Shortly before school started, I quit my high school food service job, and I started working in the Office of Student Affairs, which pushed me to become more involved on campus. The job required me to become part of a student organization.

Now, my mother really wanted me to go through fraternity and sorority life recruitment, I was so against it. Inconsolable at the thought, even. But at the last minute, I signed up.

There’s this quote, that it is when our plans go “wrong” that wonderful, unforeseen things are allowed to occur. I wanted to live my college life on the sidelines, i wanted to fly under the radar. Keep a “cool girl” low profile.

I kept my door shut, and I ate alone with my headphones in. But joining organizations changed that for me. I was forced out of my Freddy room and into college life. I became part of a wonderful chapter, I spent last semester on Greek Week Committee, and for the past two summers I worked with SOAR, URSA, and in my office job on campus. The people at Missouri State are truly special if you try to know them.

Even now, three years later and going through the same uncomfortable changes. Graduating college, starting graduate school, beginning a new position at the university. I know that I will be okay because of the relationships I’ve built, the skills I’ve learned, and all of the things I’ve already endured.

This is why I enjoy being an URSA major, I get to show students that although coming to college is uncomfortable and scary, that even the most introverted, anxious person can one day be standing in an auditorium talking about their experience.

URSA is the perfect opportunity to get a good start, to make friends, to find your place. You’ll be glad you did it. I wish I would have.

Welcome to your new home. A place where you can start anew, be whoever you want. Your time is now. Welcome to Missouri State University!